Pocket-lamp



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. A. DESPEON GOSTE.

POCKET LAMP.

No. 450,949. Patented Apr. 21,1891.

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2. A. DESPEON COSTE.

POCKET LAMP.

No. 450,949. Patented Apr. 21, 1891.

mun

NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

AMELIE DESPEON COSTE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

POCKET-LAM P.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 450,949, dated April 21, 1891.

Application filed November 24, 1890. Serial lilo. 372,412. (No model.)

To [ZZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, AMELIE DESPEON COsTE, a citizen of France, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pocket-Lamps, and I do doclare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to pocket-lamps; and it consists of a box adapted to hold a candle, one side of the box beingof glass, and of the various other parts and combination of parts, as hereinafter fully described.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows a front elevation of myimproved lamp closed. Fig. 2 shows a front elevation open. Fig. 3 shows a side elevation open. Fig. 4. is a plan section on the line .4 4., Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a detail vertical section. Fig. 6 shows a portion of the glass front. Fig. 7 is a perspective of one panel of the front.

Described in detail, my invention consists of the protecting-case A, which is preferably rectangular in form and is open at both ends.

The box B corresponds in size with the interior of the case A, and is adapted to fit and slide therein, and is prevented from being entirely removed from the case by the lug b, fitting within the longitudinal slot at, extending to within a short distance of each end of the case A. One end 0, which may be called the bottom of the box B, is of metal, as is also one side thereof. A tubular socket c is fixed centrally to the inner surface of the bottom of the box and extends to within a short distance of the opposite end thereof, and is adapted to receive the candle D, which rests upon the spiral spring G. A cap cis screwed upon the outer end of the tube 0 for the purpose of retaining the candle, the cap being provided with a central aperture, through which the candle-wick projects.

The top E of the box 13 is in the form of a lid hinged to the metal side of the box, the hinge-pin being provided with a spiral spring e, the ends of which bear, respectively,

against the lid and against the side of the box, the tendency of the spring being to force the lid open. The lid of the box is of sufficient width to cover the end of the casing A when the lamp is closed. It is formed of a piece of sheet metal and has upon one side an extension, which is bent down and around the hinge-pin. The hinge-pin isloeated somewhat below the extreme end of the box, so that the extension from the lid forms a shoulder c When the box is forced within the case, the side of the latter comes in contact with the shonldere and closes the lid. Centrally located upon the inner surface of the lid E, I place a cap e, open at its outer end, which serves as an extinguisher when the lid is closed. Extending from and hinged at b to one edge of the metal side of the box, and hinged to the other side thereof, is a succession of panels Z), which are hinged together at 12 alternate joints being provided with spiral springs U, the opposite ends of which bear against adjacent panels, the tendency of the springs being to spread the panels apart. The panels I) are of sufficient width and number so that when spread they form an oval front to the lamp. Being hinged together, these panels are adapted to fold within the area of the box Bin bellows form, and the office of the spiral springs in connection with their hinges is to force the entire front out to its extreme limit when not restrained by the casing A. The panels Z) consist of a metal frame adapted to retain a glass slide. For convenience in resting the lamp upon a table I attach to the lower end of the casing A the wire loops K, which are hinged at the side of the casin g so as to fold against the end thereof, and when spread extend the one beyond the front and the other beyond the back of the casing, as shown in Fig. 3, affording ample base upon which the lamp may securely rest. Any other device for extending the end of the casing will answer well as these loops. An inner wall F across one side of the casing formsapocket or pockets ff for the purpose of holding matches.

The entire device is made of convenient size to fit within the vest-pocket, and its length need not greatly exceed that of an ordinary match. The candle, although small, will burn for many minutes, and being protected from drafts may he carried about in the hand, the glass face of the box permitting a diffusion of light and its interior serving as a reflector. The lamp is therefore of great convenience to persons who are obliged to enter dark rooms unexpectedly.

The lamp may be of any desirable material or of any desired shape, providing the special features as above set forth be retained. I prefer to make it entirely of sheet metal, with a leather cover securely attached to the outer case, although any other material may be used which will afford the requisite strength combined with lightness. I am aware that pocket-lamps have been made in which a fluid or oil supplies the combustion. I am also aware that pocket-candlesticks have been made in combination with a match-box. the candle being carried In a pocket and adapted to be removed therefrom, similar to the manner of raising a cantile in an ordinary candlestick. I am also aware that lanterns having an internal sliding case with a transparent front have been known. I do not,therefore, broadly claim a pocket-lamp showing the features enumerated in the preceding paragraph; but

WVhat I do claim, and desire to protect by Letters Patent, is

1. In a pocket-lamp, the combination, with a tubular casing having a longitudinal slot 0, of a box adapted to slide within the casing, a lug rigidly attached to the box and adapted to project through and slide Within the slot at, p

an inclosing case, of a frame or box adapted to slide Within the case, having a metal side and a series of panels of metal and glass hinged together, the outer side of outer panels being hinged to the metal side of the box, spreading springsinterposed between the panels, a tubular candle-socket fixed upon the inner surface of one end of the box or frame, a spiral spring within the socket, a springoperated hinged lid attached to the opposite end of the box or frame, and an extinguishingcap fixed to the inner surface of the lid, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

AMELIE DESPEON oosrn.

Witnesses:

M. E. FERGUSON, M. H. L. WING. 

